We started off this week by paying tribute to the activist, actress, and author, Margaretta D'Arcy, who passed away last Sunday.
 
Tributes were paid from right across the political spectrum, and we also heard from some key people involved in activism, political representatives, and people from the Arts as well. We started off by hearing from Joe Coughlan who knew her from Woodquay.
 
​The City Council budget was also passed this week, with one businessman very disillusioned by the 3% increase in commercial rates and by increases to parking charges in the city.
Brendan Holland, owner of Holland's shop in town, said that it is unthinkable to consider a commercial rates increase, and the fact that a 13% increase was even in the conversation is beggars belief.
 
​Cash is very much King. We heard about the Access to Cash legislation which has come into force. We debated this with Independent Ireland Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice. He weighed up the pros and cons of this legislation, adding that there is a lot of work to do in terms of getting access to ATMs in smaller villages.
 
​The maroon and white rejoiced as a €3 billion funding investment in infrastructure was allocated for Galway this week. Whether it isthe City Ring Road getting a billion, also the Western Rail Corridor and Bus Connects it was a significant investment in the NDP. Other projects being earmarked for progression, included the Claregalway Bypass and the Athenry Inner Relief Road.
 
We discussed that on the programme with a number of relevant stakeholders, including the Galway Commuter Coalition, one of the householders of the Ring Road route who have been left in limbo for the past 15 years, and representative of Western Rail Corridor Group, Councillor Peter Feeney.